Colt Model 1877 "Lightning" DA revolver with New York engraving and Colt factory letter. The Colt letter describes this revolver as: "Serial Number: 33462, Caliber: .41/c, Barrel Length: 3 1/2", Finish: Blue, Type of Stocks: Not Listed, Shipped To: Hartley & Graham, Address: New York, New York," and "Date of Shipment: December 31, 1881". The revolver has a full nickel-plated finish with two-piece, bird's head, and pearl grips. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "COLT'S P.T. F.A. MFG. Co./HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in two lines. The Colt Three-Line/Three-Date patent marks are roll-stamped on the left side of the receiver in a panel created by scroll engraving. "41 CAL" is roll-stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard. The serial number, "33462" is stamped on the bottom of the frame and trigger guard and the partial serial number "462" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. The assembly number "606" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The revolver features extensive scroll and punch-dot engraving wit zig-zag and dot borders. The revolver is illustrated and described on page 192 of 1974 edition of "THE BOOK OF COLT ENGRAVING" by R.L. Wilson. In this description Wilson identifies the engraver as L.D. Nimschke or his shop. Wilson states that the original blue finish as removed by Hartley & Graham before Nimschke engraved the revolver. He further states that the pearl grips were added by Nimschke and the revolver was nickel-plated by Hartley & Graham. Wilson adds that this revolver was, "the personal sidearm of circus trick shot artist Prairie Rose".

Very good. The revolver retains 75% of the New York nickel-plated finish with crisp engraving. The cylinder flutes and edges have some scattered light pitting. The nickel plating has scattered flaking on the edges of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The inside of the frame has a bout 50% of the plated finish intact; this wear is not apparent when the cylinder is in place. The pearl grips are in very good condition with a small chip on the front of the right grip and several hairline cracks in the sides of the grip. The action is fully functional. This is a very good example of a historic, fully documented, Colt Model 1877 Lighting revolver with New York engraving executed by Hartley & Graham by master engraver L.D. Nimschke.